Central air conditioning has come a long way over the decades, and is now considered standard equipment in many homes. Roughly 88 percent of all new construction projects every year include air conditioning. While people love the comfortable indoor environment they create, they also hate the higher level of electricity they require, the ozone-depleting refrigerants that are used, and the noise they generate. However, new air conditioning technology allows you to enjoy the benefits without all the worries. Here are just a few of the ways that this technology has improved and become better over the years.
Peace and Quiet
New systems have improved fan blade shapes and better compressors. They’re much quieter than the older units, and some only make a small fraction of the noise. This allows you to cool the house without ruining the outdoor environment with additional noise.
Cleaner Refrigerants
In the past, refrigerants contained chlorine that could harm the ozone layer if the lines leaked. They now use a chlorine-free compound generically referred to as R410A. This coolant can also effectively cool and dehumidify the home, but there’s no concern about harming the environment if you have a leak.
Less Electricity Use
Older systems needed high levels of power to cool an average home. The same size home today can be cooled with as little as 1,710 watts compared to the 6,000 watts required a few decades ago. They are far more energy-efficient, and that leads to lower energy bills for consumers.
Understanding A/C Systems
Air conditioners are now typically two-part systems that consist of an indoor evaporator and an outdoor condenser. Refrigerant runs in a close loop between the two units. Heat is captured from inside the house and carried to the unit outside to be blown away. At the same time, air that will be circulated through the home is passed over cooling lines to reduce the temperature.
Homeowners in the market for new air conditioner are encouraged to look for a unit that’s rated at SEER 14 or better. It’s also important to work with a technician who can properly size the unit to your home look for the greatest energy savings. The new systems use R410A refrigerants that is better for the ozone layer and quieter
